Sandy Orford was born to a non-showing home, but took an interest at the age of 16, holding Poodle noses for handlers. Some of her first breeds that she showed and owned were Airedale Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Shih Tzus and Pomeranians. She was an assistant for Elaine Mitchell for seven years before becoming a Professional All-Breed Dog Handler.

Sandy opened her own grooming salon, Classy Clips Inc. 1984 with a hand from her bath-boy-boyfriend, Bob, who has stayed by her side every since. They have two children, Beth and Courtney, who are actively involved in the Dog Show scene. Once the children were older, Sandy took an interest in Dog Grooming Competitions, competing and winning top awards at the World Grooming Competition 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013, as well as becoming a Certified Master Groomer.

In 2002 her oldest daughter, Beth, got a Shih Tzu from Shaunna Bernardin, winning the 2004 National Specialty and sparking an interest between the two to breed and show Shih Tzus. Since then, they have bred multiple Canadian and American Championships, winning Best Puppy in Shows, Group First's, Group placements, and American Best In Shows! In 2013, their homebred female, Jolene, was #1 Female Shih Tzu in America, #3 Shih Tzu, winner of 7 American Best In Shows, 4 Best of Breed Specialty wins, and Select Female at the coveted Westminster Dog Show in New York City.

Between showing and grooming, Sandy is now a licensed CKC Judge, enjoy her future on the otherside of the ring.